Life & Work with Gavin Raetz of Tustin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gavin Raetz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My photography journey started pretty simply—I just loved taking photos, especially of nature and everyday moments. At first, it was just something I did for fun, but over time it grew into something more. Friends started asking me to take their photos, which led to the launch of my own business, Gavin Raetz Photography.

I started focusing on couples and engagement shoots and have worked with more than 5 couples so far. It’s a solo operation, so I’ve learned a lot through hands-on experience and just staying consistent. Over time, I’ve been trying to build my presence on Instagram and connect with more people through my work.

Lately, I’ve also started creating YouTube content to share more behind the scenes—whether it’s photography shoots, travel, or fishing. It’s all about documenting the things I love and hopefully inspiring others to get outside and appreciate those experiences too. I’m excited to keep growing both the photography and YouTube side of things as I go.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Starting out on my own with no formal training meant I had to learn everything by doing—camera settings, editing, client communication, running a business, all of it. Along the way, I’ve definitely dealt with imposter syndrome—feeling like I wasn’t good enough or questioning whether I belonged in the creative space, especially when comparing myself to other photographers online.

Balancing photography with other responsibilities like work or personal goals has also been a challenge. And now, as I branch out into YouTube, there’s been a learning curve with filming, editing videos, and figuring out what kind of content people actually want to see. But honestly, all those challenges have helped me grow and figure out what I really enjoy about this path.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer and content creator, and I run Gavin Raetz Photography as a solo business. I started out mostly shooting couples and engagement sessions—that’s really where my photography journey began, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I still enjoy capturing those meaningful moments between people, but lately, I’ve been finding even more fulfillment in outdoor content—whether it’s nature, wildlife, or documenting my travel and fishing adventures.

That shift has carried over into my YouTube channel, where I’ve started sharing more behind-the-scenes content, vlogs, and tips around photography and the outdoor lifestyle. It’s been fun to blend my creative work with the things I genuinely love doing outside of a shoot.

I think what sets my work apart is that I try to keep things real and grounded. I don’t over-pose or over-edit—I want everything to feel natural and true to the moment. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, especially since I’ve built all of this from the ground up by staying consistent and learning along the way. Whether it’s a couple’s session or a quiet sunrise on the coast, I want people to feel something when they see my work.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve definitely had people in my corner who’ve made a big difference in my journey. My girlfriend has been there with me since the start—through all the traveling, long editing sessions, and time spent building this dream. She’s always been incredibly supportive and patient, even when photography took up weekends or late nights. Her encouragement has meant the world to me.

My parents have also played a huge role. They saw how passionate I was early on and really pushed me to take it seriously. They encouraged me to move beyond just a hobby and actually start the business, which gave me the motivation and confidence to go for it.

And I’ve got to mention my friend Roxy—she’s an amazing photographer and someone I really look up to. She gave me some great pointers when I was just starting out, and that advice helped me learn quickly and start finding my creative direction. Her work and guidance made a big impact on how I approach photography today.

Having people like that around me has made this whole journey not only possible but meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gavinraetzphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graetzphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graetzphoto/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-raetz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@graetzphoto